Before the NBA Withdrawal Deadline on May 28, Otega Oweh Sends an Emotional Message to Kentucky Fans: “I’m So Thankful to Be Here Again!” As He Declares He’ll Be Back for Another Season
As the May 28 NBA Draft withdrawal deadline looms, Otega Oweh, the standout guard for the Kentucky Wildcats, has made a heartfelt decision that has energized the Big Blue Nation. In an emotional message to fans, Oweh declared, “I’m so thankful to be here again!” This announcement confirms his return to Kentucky for the 2025–26 season, a move that underscores his commitment to the program and his desire to achieve unfinished goals in Lexington.
Oweh’s journey to this pivotal moment began with his transfer from Oklahoma to Kentucky prior to the 2024–25 season. Standing at 6-foot-5, the Newark, New Jersey native quickly became a cornerstone of Coach Mark Pope’s squad. Throughout the season, Oweh showcased his versatility and leadership, averaging 17.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. His performances were marked by consistency and clutch play, including a memorable 28-point game against Tennessee and a game-winning shot in the SEC Tournament against his former team, Oklahoma. These achievements earned him a spot on the All-SEC Second Team, solidifying his status as one of the conference’s premier guards.Despite participating in the NBA Draft Combine and receiving positive feedback, Oweh was not projected in ESPN’s latest mock draft. After careful consideration and discussions with Coach Mark Pope, Oweh chose to return to Kentucky, emphasizing his love for the program and the fans. “I came here to win,” he said. “And I’m not done here.”
Oweh’s return is a significant boost for the Wildcats. Coach Mark Pope praised Oweh as the “heart of this team” and highlighted his leadership and commitment. With Oweh back, Kentucky is poised to be a formidable contender in the upcoming season, blending experienced leadership with incoming talent.As the Wildcats prepare for a challenging schedule, including matchups against Duke, Gonzaga, and Michigan State, Oweh’s presence will be pivotal. His decision to stay reflects a broader trend of players valuing college legacy and development opportunities. For Oweh, it’s about more than basketball; it’s about leaving a lasting impact.
“This place means something to me,” Oweh affirmed. “We came close, but close isn’t good enough. I came here to hang a banner, and that’s exactly what I plan to do.”
With Oweh leading the charge, Kentucky fans have every reason to be optimistic about the season ahead.
